LEAVE THE BOX
We began the competition with the intent to understand what role the box exactly has in our potential scheme. We later defined the box as a space in transition, which in its previous situation served a single function. While we were planning the massing and trying to program a specific condition to particular areas of the site, we developed a narrative which helped us create our scheme.
Initial concept = The ground levels consist of functions which serve as the initial nature of the boxes purpose. They are simple binary functional spaces (Parking Retail,ect) which coexist with the nature of the immediate site conditions and provide clear axial spaces in conjunction with various methods of transportation. As the units stack, the boxes begin to lift from their context and no longer are set for binary purposes, They have the functional nature of a living space which is meant to mold to the users needs. Therefore the scheme has a certain flexibility of arrangement and purpose. There is direct axis to the rail station, and methods of transportation as well as defined area for parking which holds up some of the buildings lifting the residential area to create more views and desirable spaces.
The circulation and configuration of the masses vary upon the unit conditions and density of the areas. The singular units are contained in a more dense environment (the Tower) with an extroverted circulation system while the multifamily units (Spiral Tower) have an internal circulation system. They are also lifted from the ground plane to give a feeling of protection
Building # 3 (the Tower) is essentially a acquaintance between the binary and plural which creates a series of voids which create interstitial spaces. These in between spaces serve as open communal areas , a joint recreation facility for the residents , and a cultural space at the ground plane to create a rich inviting atmosphere. This part of our scheme was meant to introduce an element of objectivity into our master plan which involved the idea to restore the urbanity that Newark once held.
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